Oklahoma Football: What You Need to Know about Sooners' Offensive Line in 2012

The Oklahoma Sooners have a top quarterback in Landry Jones, but he can't do much without a strong offensive line keeping him off the ground.

Oklahoma is hoping to win a title with a slew of offensive weapons that can put huge numbers on the board.

If Oklahoma doesn't play in the trenches, however, there will be little shot of making a big run.

With Jones returning for his senior season, as well as the continued development of running back Dominique Whaley, the line has valuable assets to protect.

While the players usually aren't well known, the offensive line is as crucial to the outcome as any position on the field. Here is what you need to know about the unit the Sooners will send on the field.

Adam Shead and Bronson Irwin

Oklahoma's offensive line will largely depend on the success of two young men who need to prove themselves.

Adam Shead and Bronson Irwin quickly became crucial to the Sooners amidst the preseason changes.

Shead was a 4-star recruit in high school and a top 10 guard prospect. After redshirting in 2011, he played in 10 games, starting five at left guard.

While he didn't see much of the field, he made an impact and showed flashes of excellence, including a 14-knockdown game against Baylor.

Irwin has already received praise this year from head coach Bob Stoops in light of the loss of Evans.

The junior was the No. 2 player in Oklahoma in high school, but has yet to start a game at the line for the Sooners. Irwin has been a staple on the special teams since arriving in Norman, playing in every game in 2011.

He will step in for Ikard at guard to complete an interior line that is entirely different from the end of spring camp.

While the line is certainly a question mark, the Sooners' may have one of the best in the Big 12. If Shead and Irwin play to their potential, it will be like Habern and Evans never left.